Iowa Caucus Season Kicks Off as Republican Presidential Hopefuls Make Their Way to Hawkeye State
Date
3/12/2023 8:31:43 AM
(MENAFN) The Iowa caucuses are still nearly a year away, but Republican presidential candidates are already visiting the state to campaign. Potential candidates are keeping their options open, and voters are eager to meet the contenders. This week, former President Donald trump is making his first visit to Iowa since he announced his campaign last year. On the other hand, the only other major Republican in the race, former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, held town halls in Council Bluffs and Nevada before attending a foreign policy forum with Iowa GOP Senator Joni Ernst in Des Moines.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also made an appearance in the state on Friday as part of his book tour. According to sources familiar with his team's private discussions, DeSantis has indicated that he is leaning towards running and will make a final decision after his legislative session is over. Over 1,000 people attended DeSantis' interview-style event with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds.
Although Trump won Iowa in the 2016 and 2020 general elections, he is not a sure winner of the 2024 Iowa caucuses. Influential Iowa Republican Bob Vander Plaats said that "it's an open field" and that many Republicans are still undecided about the former president's chances of carrying the baton in 2024. Vander Plaats, the CEO of the socially conservative group The Family Leader, acknowledged that Trump has the advantage over other candidates for now.
However, he also believes that if the election were held today, Trump would win, but if he gets stalled or defeated in Iowa, it will be "game on" for the nomination. Vander Plaats thinks that the narrower the field of candidates is, the more competitive the GOP primary will be. He has also heard from many people that they "want to turn the page [on] the former president."
In conclusion, Iowa caucus season is officially underway as Republican presidential hopefuls and potential candidates visit the Hawkeye State. The race is far from decided, and voters are keeping their options open, making it an open field for all candidates. While Trump has the advantage for now, the field may change as the election draws closer.
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